Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

More important than having a certified specialist in Estate Planning is making sure whoever you use has some specialized knowledge, skill or expertise with Special Needs Trusts. For example, I belong to the Academy of Special Needs Planners and that organization is dedicated to keeping members up to date on any changes in the law that affects special needs planning. I would be happy to discuss the specific facts of your daughter and her needs if you ahve specific questions about the purposes and goals for the trust you wish to establish.

I would stay with the certified specialist in estate planning. You can check the California State Bar's website for attorney search at http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10114

Their profile should tell you whether they are actually certified as a specialist or not. Mr Feldman is not a certified specialist, and I would be wary of an attorney that openly solicits your business.

Many execelent estate planning attorneys are not "certified specialists" under the State Bar program. It is more important that you find someone who is experienced in the area of special needs trusts. Even if someone is a "certified specialist" they may not have the requsite experience to properly advise you.

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